United Way of the Ocoee Region
United Way of the Ocoee Region is a public charity based in Cleveland, Tennessee, that identifies community needs, brings organizations together, and invests in programs serving Bradley and Polk Counties. It was formed in 1971 and supports work addressing immediate needs, poverty, children’s opportunities, and community health.
United Way of the Ocoee Region at a glance
In short: United Way of the Ocoee Region gave $1.6M across 26 grants in 2025 (avg $62K), mostly in Tennessee. 0% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,624,630
- -8.1% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 26
- -7.1% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $62,486
- -1.0% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $20,000
- Total assets
- $33,896,576
- +4.8% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 0% first-time grantees (0 of 26, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Tennessee (99% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to United Way of the Ocoee Region
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- Yes
- Review Cycle
- The listed deadline for United Way Impact Funding is December 5, 2026. The separate 2026–2027 cycle page gives a Letter of Intent deadline of December 19, 2025; that deadline has passed.
- Deadline
- The listed deadline for United Way Impact Funding is December 5, 2026.
- Next open deadline
- December 5, 2026 (United Way Impact Funding)
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 193, Cleveland, TN 37364
Phone: (423) 479-2020
Website: https://unitedwayocoee.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from United Way of the Ocoee Region
Who United Way of the Ocoee Region funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Karis Community Health ($380K). Together the top 10 received $1.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
139 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 96 grants of 139 (69%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization identifies Bradley and Polk Counties in southeastern Tennessee as its service area. In 2025, 99% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in Tennessee and 1% to recipients in Georgia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 26 itemized grants.
Cities
Is United Way of the Ocoee Region open to new grantees?
0%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 0 of 26 grantees (0%) were first-time recipients. How we count
- 100% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−20%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.4M (2020) to $2.1M (2019). In 2025 it made 26 grants totaling $1.6M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Karis Community Health Cleveland, TN | Community Health | $380,000 |
| Boys and Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Region Cleveland, TN | Partner Agency | $236,000 |
| The Caring Place Cleveland, TN | Community Health/Parnter Agency | $173,500 |
| City Fields Cleveland, TN | Partner Agency | $150,000 |
| Family Resource Agency Cleveland, TN | Partner Agency | $85,000 |
| YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga Cleveland, TN | Partner Agency | $80,000 |
| Bradley Cleveland Public Cleveland, TN | Community Health | $68,000 |
| Legal Aid of East TN Chattanooga, TN | Partner Agency | $62,000 |
| The Hope Center Inc Cleveland, TN | Community Health | $48,000 |
| Court Appointed Special ADV Cleveland, TN | Partner Agency | $45,000 |
Ready to take the next step with United Way of the Ocoee Region?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The grant totals shown are accompanied by 26 grants in 2025, 28 in 2024, and 25 in 2023. The filing describes monitoring procedures for endowment grants: grantees submit budgets for approval and financial information to support draw requests.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $33,896,576 | $3,626,812 | $3,624,087 | $1,624,630 | 26 | $2,093,055 |
| 2024 | $32,338,920 | $3,015,704 | $3,694,365 | $1,767,555 | 28 | $1,091,521 |
| 2023 | $31,354,389 | $2,829,974 | $3,696,435 | $1,657,907 | 25 | $857,606 |
| 2022 | $29,273,950 | $3,221,901 | $4,075,054 | $2,021,437 | 29 | $1,103,494 |
| 2021 | $36,440,230 | $6,391,561 | $3,821,512 | $1,537,965 | 31 | $4,165,988 |
| 2020 | $34,609,975 | $3,866,069 | $3,646,563 | $1,408,519 | 29 | $1,417,320 |
| 2019 | $32,075,610 | $4,241,303 | $4,479,522 | $2,137,004 | 34 | $1,216,894 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s stated mission is to identify community needs, facilitate collaboration, and maximize resources to positively impact its community and surrounding areas. Its website identifies four impact areas: Meet Immediate Basic Needs, Pathways to a Healthy Community, Give Kids an Equal Chance, and Break the Cycle of Poverty. The 2025–2026 request for proposals specified Stable Housing, Childcare Access, Healthcare Access, and Mental Healthcare & Substance Abuse Support as areas for proposed programs.
In 2025, the largest listed grant went to Karis Community Health, whose stated mission is to provide dental and primary medical care to uninsured adults at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Other recipients illustrate the range of supported work: The Caring Place describes providing basic resources to people experiencing poverty in Bradley County; City Fields describes neighborhood revitalization and development; and the Bradley Cleveland Public Education Foundation describes supporting students and teachers in 26 schools. These are the grantees’ stated missions, not the funder’s.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, United Way of the Ocoee Region reported 26 grants totaling $1,624,630. Grant amounts ranged from $10,000 to $380,000, with a median of $20,000. The largest awards included $380,000 to Karis Community Health, $236,000 to Boys and Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Region, $173,500 to The Caring Place, $150,000 to City Fields, and $85,000 to Family Resource Agency.
The funder’s website describes an annual competitive allocation process involving community-needs identification, a request for proposals, letters of intent, full applications, impact-panel recommendations, and final funding decisions. It accepts unsolicited requests through this process. Applicants are directed to review the RFP and funding workshop materials, create or log in to an e-CImpact account, and submit a Letter of Intent; selected applicants proceed to a full proposal. The website says proposals should fit an impact area and create long-term community change. The 2025–2026 RFP invited 501(c)(3) agencies serving Bradley and Polk Counties and required, among other items, proof of tax-exempt status, an audit or approved financials, board information, outcome-tracking capacity, and participation in partner roundtables if available.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Bill Martin as chair, Dr. Rubi Porter as secretary, and Mike Griffin, Bruce Bradford, Dr. Linda Cash, Nancy Casson, Brenda Choate, Ken Dew, Matt Jenne, and Chris Newton as directors. The organization’s website lists Stephanie Linkous as president and CEO.
United Way of the Ocoee Region is led by Stephanie Linkous, President on every filing since 2019; 2 of 17 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Stephanie Linkous
President
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$96K (2020) → $139K (2025)
Bill Martin
Chair
Director → Treasurer, 2020
Treasurer → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Andy Williams
Director
Vice Chair → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brenda Knight Choate
Director
Immediate Past Board Chair & Cit Chair → Immediate Past Board Chair, 2024
Immediate Past Board Chair → Director, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bruce Bradford
Director
Director → Vice Chair, 2021
Vice Chair → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Newton
Director
Vice Chair → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cindy Slater
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Erika Moore
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Linda Cash
Director
Director → Vice Chair, 2021
Vice Chair → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Matt Jenne
Director
Vice Chair → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Griffin
Director
Chairman → Past Chair, 2020
Past Chair → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nancy Casson
Director
Vice Chair → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Adam Osborne
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ken Dew
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Sheeley
Vice President of Finance
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$71K (2025)
Matthew Tolbert
Immediate Past Board Chair
Director → Chair, 2022
Chair → Immediate Past Board Chair, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rubi Porter
Secretary
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (44)
- Former: Tanya Mazzolini (2023–2024) — CFO
- Former: Art Rhodes (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Barbara Stone (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Bill Moats (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Carolyn Jackson (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Danny Bradley (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Gary Farlow (2019–2021) — Vice Chair
- Former: Janice Baker (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Joe Fivas (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Keith Barrett (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Ralph Baldwin (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Ron Braam (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Ron England (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Russell Dyer (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Shane Griffith (2019–2021) — Vice Chair
- Former: Taylor Howard (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Tim Henderson (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Heath Garrett (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Jared Powers (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Jim Nowack (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Michael Patterson (2020–2021) — Vice Chair
- Former: Milan Blake (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Nelson Woodridge (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Tim Dyskiewicz (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Adam Lewis (2021) — Director
- Former: Jack McNeely (2021) — Director
- Former: John Moses (2021) — Director
- Former: Matt Wiseman (2021) — Director
- Former: Tim Poteet (2021) — Director
- Former: Madison Torrence (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Mickey Torbett (2019–2020) — Vice Chair
- Former: Mike Callaway (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Phil Cook (2019–2020) — Chair
- Former: Rodney Fitzgerald (2019–2020) — Vice Chair
- Former: Bill Estes (2019) — Director
- Former: Bill Seymour (2019) — Vice Chair
- Former: Jeff Morelock (2019) — Director
- Former: Jenice Saint (2019) — Director
- Former: Matt Ryerson (2019) — President
- Former: Paulette Madson (2019) — Director
- Former: Ron Sellers (2019) — Director
- Former: Steve Ledbetter (2019) — Director
- Former: Terry Henry (2019) — Vice Chair
- Former: Verrill Norwood Jr. (2019) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $139K, to Stephanie Linkous (President). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about United Way of the Ocoee Region
How much does United Way of the Ocoee Region give each year?
United Way of the Ocoee Region gave $1.6M across 26 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.8M across 28 grants.
What is United Way of the Ocoee Region's typical grant size?
United Way of the Ocoee Region's median grant in 2025 was $20,000, and its average grant was $62,486, across 26 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does United Way of the Ocoee Region give grants?
United Way of the Ocoee Region gives mostly in Tennessee: 99% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Cleveland, TN (20 grants) and Chattanooga, TN (4 grants).
Does United Way of the Ocoee Region give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 26 grants with a stated purpose on United Way of the Ocoee Region's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Community Health" (16 grants) and "Partner Agency" (9 grants).
Who are United Way of the Ocoee Region's largest grantees?
United Way of the Ocoee Region's largest 2025 grantees include Karis Community Health ($380,000), Boys and Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Region ($236,000) and The Caring Place ($173,500), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 49% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is United Way of the Ocoee Region?
United Way of the Ocoee Region reported $33.9M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $3.6M.
What does United Way of the Ocoee Region fund?
The organization’s stated mission is to identify community needs, facilitate collaboration, and maximize resources to positively impact its community and surrounding areas. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of the Ocoee Region?
United Way of the Ocoee Region has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check unitedwayocoee.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is United Way of the Ocoee Region's EIN?
United Way of the Ocoee Region's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 62-0548418. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Does United Way of the Ocoee Region accept unsolicited proposals?
Yes, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS June 1, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS August 3, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS August 15, 2023)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS July 29, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS September 25, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 30, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS August 6, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in United Way of the Ocoee Region's focus areas in our free grants database
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Assets
—
Grants
18
Total Given
$84K
More similar funders
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). United Way of the Ocoee Region funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-the-ocoee-region-morg_4e2e455f9009472ca544f529cefb9f4b
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_620548418_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{United Way of the Ocoee Region funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-the-ocoee-region-morg_4e2e455f9009472ca544f529cefb9f4b},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-04. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from United Way of the Ocoee Region's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
United Way of the Ocoee Region down — hundreds of funders to go?